Median Income
$31,186
59% lower than US avg
Home Value
$9,999
96% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
182/100K
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.3%
78% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Penton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population128
Median Age66.0 yrs
Density14/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans65.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$31,186
Per Capita$30,032
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$690M
Housing
A+
Home Value$9,999
Ownership88.6%
Zillow$180,043
Housing Units40
Rent Burden32.3%
Crime
F
Violent182/100K
Property2,156/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured11.6%
Smoking18.8%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain53.0 in/yr
Sunny Days304/yr
Elevation765 ft (233 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.3%
High School+41.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.96
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Broadband79.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Penton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Penton receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Penton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Penton is $31,186, 59% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Penton is $9,999, 96% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Penton is below the national average at 182 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,156 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
7.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 41.5% have completed high school. School test scores average 4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Penton enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 304 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 53.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Penton has a population of 128 with a density of 14 people per square mile, spread across 9.1 square miles. The median age is 66.0 years, 70% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.7% female and 52.3% male. The city is predominantly White (87.5%), with 5.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 65.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
66.0yrs
Median Age
70% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Penton is $31,186, which is 59% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,032 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $830, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 470 business establishments, including 33 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $31,186 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,032 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $830 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,288 |
| Gini Index | 0.470 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 470 |
| County GDP | $690M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 33 |
| Healthcare | 29 |
| Retail | 77 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,303 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 23.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Penton is $9,999, 96% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,043, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $772 for a one-bedroom to $936 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 40 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $2,303 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 32.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $9,999 |
| 96% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $180,043 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $716 |
| 1 Bedroom | $772 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $936 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,206 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,381 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.4% |
| Housing Units | 40 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,303 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 23.03% |
In Penton, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 40.8% have high blood pressure. 18.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.3% report binge drinking. 30.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 11.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,665. The dentist ratio is 1:11,240. 40.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Penton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.8% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 8.3% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.8% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.5% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 40.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 11.6% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,665 |
| Dentists | 1:11,240 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,255 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.9% |
| Dental Visits | 50.4% |
| Premature Death | 11,834/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 29 |
Penton has a violent crime rate of 182 per 100,000 residents, 52% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,156 per 100,000, 10% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Penton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Penton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 182.5/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,156.2/100K |
| 10% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Penton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 304 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 53.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 765 feet.
Temperature
43°F Jan (6°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 61.9°F |
| 15% above US avg |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 304 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 765 ft (233 m) |
| Area | 9.1 sq mi (23.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 14/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.0098°N, 85.4748°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Randolph County County |
| Nearest Airport | Auburn University Regional (AUO)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
53.0"
40% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.46"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 30.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 66.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 23.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
18 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Sep 14, 2011.
| Aug 19, 2004 |
8 km W of Brantleyville, Alabama |
M3.6 |
141 km |
| May 9, 2004 |
8 km WNW of Brantleyville, Alabama |
M3.3 |
141 km |
| May 6, 2010 |
11 km ENE of Whitesboro, Alabama |
M3.2 |
138 km |
| Mar 20, 2004 |
11 km NW of Wilton, Alabama |
M3.0 |
141 km |
| Sep 13, 2011 |
1 km NNW of Leeds, Alabama |
M3.0 |
118 km |
| Feb 17, 1991 |
6 km N of Goldville, Alabama |
M2.9 |
31 km |
| Mar 28, 1991 |
5 km NNW of Westover, Alabama |
M2.9 |
109 km |
| Sep 14, 2011 |
0 km WNW of Trussville, Alabama |
M2.6 |
126 km |
| Apr 15, 2001 |
9 km E of Bon Air, Alabama |
M2.6 |
77 km |
| Apr 15, 2001 |
12 km SW of Talladega, Alabama |
M2.6 |
79 km |
| May 28, 2004 |
2 km WNW of Brantleyville, Alabama |
M2.6 |
135 km |
| Sep 14, 2011 |
4 km ESE of Trussville, Alabama |
M2.5 |
121 km |
| Oct 11, 1999 |
5 km WSW of Highland Lake, Alabama |
M2.5 |
133 km |
| Mar 17, 2009 |
5 km W of Ragland, Alabama |
M2.5 |
107 km |
| Oct 6, 2003 |
11 km SW of Talladega, Alabama |
M2.5 |
79 km |
| Jan 4, 2008 |
14 km N of Hollins, Alabama |
M2.5 |
66 km |
| May 26, 2004 |
3 km NNW of Brantleyville, Alabama |
M2.5 |
134 km |
| May 11, 1998 |
2 km SSE of Glencoe, Alabama |
M2.5 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
5 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 2 |
279 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 3 |
179 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 2 |
275 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 1 |
140 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 1 |
250 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
511 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 87 fatalities, 1,299 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 2019 |
EF4 |
63 km |
23 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
80 km |
7 |
| Jan 24, 1964 |
EF4 |
95 km |
10 |
| May 1, 1953 |
EF4 |
48 km |
7 |
| Mar 26, 2023 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jan 12, 2023 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF3 |
97 km |
6 |
| Apr 29, 2014 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
85 km |
2 |
| Feb 26, 2008 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 1996 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 1989 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Dec 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
72 km |
2 |
| Apr 1, 1981 |
EF3 |
85 km |
2 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jan 10, 1975 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jan 26, 1974 |
EF3 |
13 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (13,987 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
13,987 |
90 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
10,827 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
7,788 |
93 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
7,740 |
88 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
6,320 |
82 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,854 |
89 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
5,844 |
91 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
5,397 |
92 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
5,157 |
63 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,199 |
61 km |
| 2014 |
HOUCK CREEK |
3,857 |
82 km |
| 2022 |
SC 540C/CHOCCOLOCCO |
3,750 |
92 km |
| 2020 |
SC WEST END C AND D |
3,538 |
89 km |
| 2010 |
UPPER SHOAL |
3,512 |
86 km |
| 2010 |
WIREGRASS |
3,467 |
65 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
3,429 |
95 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
3,410 |
86 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,362 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,305 |
96 km |
| 1998 |
CHEAHA WILDERNESS |
3,299 |
57 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
43°F (6°C) |
5.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
46°F (8°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
6.5 in |
Wettest |
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
5.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| November |
53°F (12°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
5.4 in |
|
Penton has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 43°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 55.9 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.5") and October the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Penton. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133–$355) |
| Specialist Visit |
$311 ($178–$488) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89–$311) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,954 ($710–$4,440) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($67–$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$355) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($44–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$444) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$533 ($355–$888) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89–$311) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$355 ($133–$710) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,216 ($3,552–$10,656) |
| Roof Repair |
$888 ($355–$1,776) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,992 ($4,884–$13,320) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,332 ($444–$3,108) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,320 ($4,440–$26,640) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,440 ($1,776–$8,880) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,332 ($710–$2,664) |
| Will Preparation |
$444 ($178–$888) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,220 ($888–$4,440) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($67–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.64 ($2.66–$4.88) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.11 ($2.22–$4.44) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.88) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.00 ($2.66–$5.77) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.88 ($3.55–$6.66) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67–$444) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,776 ($1,066–$3,108) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.10–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,066 ($533–$2,220) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$888 ($444–$1,776) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$355 ($178–$622) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$888 ($355–$2,220) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,100 ($4,440–$26,640) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$444) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89–$355) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $494 |
| Toddler | $493 |
| Preschool | $493 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $448 |
| Toddler | $448 |
| Preschool | $448 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Penton
What is the population of Penton?
Penton has a population of 128 residents and is located in Alabama. The population density is 14 people per square mile, spread across 9.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 66.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.7% female and 52.3% male.
Is Penton expensive to live in?
Penton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $31,186, 59% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $9,999 (96% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Penton safe?
Penton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 182 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,156 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Penton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Penton?
Penton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 43°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 304 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 53.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Penton?
The job market in Penton is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $830. There are 470 business establishments in the area, including 33 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Penton?
The median home value in Penton is $9,999. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,043. The homeownership rate is 88.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,303.
How are the schools in Penton?
Schools in Penton have an average test score of 4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 7.3% of adults in Penton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 41.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Penton?
The obesity rate in Penton is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.8% of adults are smokers. 30.5% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 11.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 40.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,665.
What are the demographics of Penton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Penton is 87.5% White, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 65.0% of the population are military veterans. 27.7% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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